Steede defends Twin Peaks title on Monday

WILL it be lucky 13 for Ballymena Runner Jonny Steede, when he defends his Twin Peaks title next week at Glenravel Festival?

No-one in the 13 year history of the event has won three times and Steede has that chance next Monday evening in Cargan when the race, sponsored yet again by the Credit Union, starts from the Greenhills bar.

Previous double winners Alastair Neeson, Alec Brennan and Mark McManus all failed to clinch the treble and Steede, winner in 08 and 09, will be going all out for the record hat-trick.

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Last year he was pushed all the way by Brennan and McManus who were looking for their trebles, but they could only manage second and third respectively, although Brennan was only seven seconds adrift at the finish.

Cushendall's Emmet McAlister was fourth last year but the former Glen's Runner has now 'defected' to the Ballymena Runners and must be in with a chance of a place.

Local hopes are high with Declan McBride and young David Higgins having finished in the top ten last year, while the return to serious training of Conor Reid gives rise to local optimism.

The Cargan man has posted some good practise times and since the race passes his front door, the former youth international can't be discounted for a podium place.

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First female home last year was veteran Claire Martin, just in front of Frances O'Connor and Maureen Olicer in the same category so there is an opportunity for the younger females to get among the silverware.

Colin Huey was the male veteran winner in '09, just pipping Cushendall's evergreen Gerard McAlister and these two will renew rivalry once again.

A large field is expected and with the organisers putting an empahisis on youth, the underage race which is run just behind the adults section creates a lot of interest.

Once again the Credit Union Twin Peaks starts at Greenhill Bar Cargon at 7.30 with registration at the adjoining primary school from 6.30pm. Race distance is 5km approximately and is a mixture of hill, cross-country and road running.

Categories: Open male/female; Local male/female; Veteran male/female; u18 male/female and u15 male/female/

Further details for race organiser Shaun McLaughlin 21758366 or Paul McToal 07714205659.

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